Health Care Reform Update
Due to the change in the party make-up of the Senate, the House and Senate leadership are in talks with the White House about what options, if any, are available to move a health care reform measure this year. We are working with all sides to keep alive our priorities, including Medicare payment updates, extension of the increased federal Medicaid match, and the CLASS plan for reforming long-term services and supports financing.
More Information.
Latest News
AAHSA has been asked how we can best help. We urge you to donate money to one of the many credible organizations such as the American Red Cross, which are already involved in the rapid response. The
White House has links to a variety of giving avenues, as does
our blog. Your faith-based or community umbrella organizations no doubt have others.
More information.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that Barbara Coulter Edwards will serve as the director of the Disabled and Elderly Health Programs Group. Edwards has almost 30 years of public and private sector experience in health care financing. She is a nationally recognized expert in Medicaid policy, including managed care, cost containment, long-term care, and state and federal health care reform. We are very pleased to have a person with such distinguished expertise and experience taking on a key role at CMS.
More information
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report discussing the federal temporary management sanction and why it is used so infrequently in response to identified quality problems. In the report, the GAO examines how states and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services use temporary management and its effectiveness in achieving compliance in the short and long-term. The report also looks at obstacles to the use of this sanction and how such obstacles could be addressed.
More information.
Under S.118, housing providers should be able to more easily obtain the refinancing necessary to rehabilitate and modernize their existing Section 202 elderly housing properties. In addition, this bill would enable owners to use any excess refinancing proceeds to develop additional affordable housing, increase accessibility and help residents age-in-place by expanding supportive services.
More information.
Featured Content
AAHSA can help you find the answer. From locating senior housing to tips on evaluating home health providers, our experts have the information you need to help you or a loved one make the most of services available to older adults.
More information.
The January-February issue of FutureAge considers the challenges of building “a culture of acceptance.” You’ll read about AAHSA-member providers who serve people of every ethnicity, and see how they build culturally competent organizations and bridge differences. You’ll also read about why civility matters, challenges facing inner-city nursing homes, and whether culture change and regulation can coexist. Read Full Issue.